In the recent past, Burgundy has exploded, and worldwide demand is at an all-time high. Paralleling the market explosion has been Denis Bachelet’s rise to greatness. During this period, it’s possible that no other vigneron in the Côtes de Nuits has seen his star rise more quickly.

The reasons are clear. As Neal Martin writes: “Denis has an innate ability to transcend the limitations of the growing season,” and when the season doesn’t limit him, he finds another gear entirely.

And Bachelet’s surpassing talent is not limited to vintages. His Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, sourced from several villages plots of 80-year-vines, is a wine that achieves premier cru levels of depth, nuance and longevity with astonishing consistency through Denis’ magic touch.

A Master’s Touch

For long-time Côte d’Or connoisseurs, it’s no surprise that Bachelet has become one of Burgundy’s most coveted names. He took charge of the domaine in the early 1980s, while still in his late teens, and immediately served notice with the harmony of his wines.

And they’ve only gained in those qualities in the years since, as Bachelet has gone from insider’s secret to Burgundy stardom. Today, with less than four hectares of low-yielding old vines, there is never enough to go around.

Denis’ methods are classically simple and utterly respectful of their fine terroirs. The cool native yeast fermentation takes place in stainless steel and concrete tanks to favor the primary aromas.

Use of new oak for aging is moderate, and the malolactic fermentation takes place naturally, the later the better for Bachelet, who feels this helps to keep freshness in is wines.

The results are wines that epitomize the intensity and complexity without heaviness that is the glory of great red Burgundy. The only problem is Bachelet’s tiny production—with so little land under vine, and divided among six cuvées, the production of each is microscopic.

For example, he produces less than 600 cases annually of his Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes. That’s never enough to meet the demand. It also made it very difficult for us to assemble this offer.

But the challenge has been met with our offer of this transcendent red Burgundy.